Ben Knighten hollered our way the other day, and we’re glad he did! We now have got our paws on his latest record, “Keep The Sky” (Circle 504 Records)  and that puts a smile on our faces.

Ben’s an independent musician from out Colorado way. Now, I may be messed up in the head (don’t do it) but, when I think of Colorado, I think of wide open spaces of green, hills and plateaus, rivers in valleys, snow-capped mountains, and peacefulness. In other words, I picture it a lot like Middle Tennessee, except with a bit more variation in elevation.

That’s what this dude’s tunes bring to mind, also. Melodic, harmonious, flowing, climbing, resting, and simplistic, tracks like “Ready or Not” that move like a slow stream pit the tempo with words like “flying” and “falling” which imply speed and help marry the song’s wanting with resolution.

Like a stream

Bubbling along, downhill over the rocks, in it’s happy, burbley way, the album’s opener “Lucky One,” sets the mood of the record well. A great blend of a 12-string rhythm with some mandolin, cello, and harmonica, it flows right along. Ben’s got a great, positive attitude that comes across beautifully in his music, and it’s nice to hear it!

The more I listen to this, the more I get into it. Lots of the songs could have had the full-blown treatment, but Ben choose to keep the arrangements clean and the instrumentation basic. Guitars, cello and mandolin are a great combination, why mess it up? They also happen to work perfectly for these songs, somewhat reminiscent of Dave Matthews, or Nickel Creek.

You could call it americana, but that wouldn’t quite get it. It’s more than singer/songwriter and doesn’t quite fit into pop. It’s not bluegrass or country. I think acoustic-american-laid-back-groovy-feel-good-tunes is a bit much for a genre term, so just forget you read it, and know that its cool. Seriously, though, the traditional instruments complement the songs, perfectly, from the ballads to the up-beat “Wrong Side of the Road.”

I’m thinking my favorite cut is “Oh, Colorado,” which closes the record out in a perfect way. It’s always hard to pick a favorite, when you find a record full of good songs. I guess I’ll spin it again, quite alright, I can handle that.  An album with a hopeful story to tell is always a pleasure!

Jesse Smith played Cello, Kris Sciba played guitar/backup vocals, and Mike Couillard played mandolin, to round out Ben’s group. Wise choices, if you ask me. Each of them plays with passion and knows just what to add, without going over the top. The arrangements are as suited to the studio as they are for the stage.

Ben’s first release was well received, and is also a great addition for your indie collection.

“…From his melodic tunes to his angelic voice, Ben Knighten makes wondrous music.” Isaac Davis, Jr. of Junior’s Cave 

And Michael Mallory – at Carlito’s Music Blog said
“…This CD will simply make your day a brighter place.  …you will find yourself inspired, invigorated & happier than you were 45 minutes prior.”

So, it seems I’m not alone! There’s a great vibe to the music of Ben Knighten, a lightness, and fleetness that is hard to describe. Every tune leaves you feeling a little better than you did before you heard it. This one’s going on my playlist, fer-shure-tho!

Along with Jesse, Kris, and Mike, Ben is sure to put on a good show, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them start showing up on some cool stages. They show a pretty hectic schedule on the ReverbNation page. With the summer frenzy heating up, it would be cool to see them on some of the festival stages. Do yourself a favor if you get the chance, and catch one of their shows.

The CD release party was held on the 19th of April, and the record will be available very soon. We’ll keep you posted on the date. For now, catch a preview on Ben Knighten.Com , or ReverbNation.

Oh, and now that it’s played through again, I think I’m calling “The One” my favorite track on the record, it’s just sweet.